Interim director Rick Gustafson provided updates on the ongoing Omaha streetcar project, including cost estimates, vehicle design and utility work, particularly in the Blackstone district, which has been significantly impacted by gas work. To address communication needs, HDR has enhanced stakeholder outreach, supported by Public Works and Emspace + Lovgren.
The authority also discussed the construction of a maintenance facility on Lot A of the MECA land near the CHI Health Center, with ongoing negotiations regarding parking and stormwater management. Financial updates revealed $25 million in expenditures since the project’s start, with new cost estimates prompting revisions to the 2025 budget. The committee also approved agreements with Jacobs Project Management and the City of Omaha Public Works, delegating contract oversight to the latter.
The Omaha Streetcar Authority approved both agreements, and the meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.
Meeting documented by Vince Furlong
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Leah Wambui Keinama boasts a robust professional journey, commencing as a systems engineer and integrator within the software industry. In this capacity, she excelled in the conception, design, construction, and deployment of software systems, adeptly managing projects from inception to completion. Transitioning into the nonprofit realm, Leah directed her expertise towards enhancing food systems, with a particular emphasis on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and bolstering food accessibility while fostering resilient communities. Her repertoire includes comprehensive program design skills coupled with a profound commitment to community engagement. Leah's fervor for cultivating networks and forging meaningful connections underscores her dedication to advancing organizational goals.
